Thank you for your interest in family mini-sessions for Fall 2016. I've been doing mini-sessions for Raleigh families for the past several years as a way to serve families who don't need or want an entire portrait session. Last year, however, I decided to change things a little bit. In recent years, I have noticed a need. I'm not sure about you, but from November through December, I feel a pressure and stress to get everything done. I want the house decorated for the holidays, I want the perfect meals cooked, and the perfect activities planned. I'm a mom like you and I know just how busy this time of year can be. Wouldn't it be nice if someone could help you out with just one or two of your tasks? When I was honest with myself, I wasn't content being like every other photographer who left you with a few digital files and left you to fend for yourself. If you've done fall family portraits in the past and received only digital files, did you get around to printing any of those images? Are they in frames? Did you get the Christmas cards sent out that you had spent weeks envisioning?

This year, I want to help. I'm calling these fall mini-sessions, but really, they aren't that mini. The are more like halfway between mini and full sessions. These all inclusive sessions will be $249 plus tax. Here are what this year's fall mini-sessions will look like:

-A 25 minute portrait session for your family. Well-behaved dogs are welcome to join you. There are two choices of dates and locations. On Saturday October 22nd, mini-sessions will be held at Sugg Farm Park in Holly Springs. On Saturday October 29th, they will be held at Historic Oakview County Park in Raleigh.

-The best 10 images are edited and you keep the high resolution copies with a print release. You get to view 12-15 proofs in a private online gallery. You choose your favorite 10 for me to edit and deliver in a digital download. Additional files are available for purchase as well. You will receive not only a full resolution color file, but black and white, low resolution for sending to loved ones through email, and a cover photo collage for Facebook.

-25 custom designed holiday cards and envelopes. These aren't the thin kind printed on photo paper from the drug store. These cards are printed on thick 5x7"cardstock (they can even have a linen texture if you'd like) and are two sided. I have dozens of designs to choose from. All you do is choose the template, choose the images to use, tell me what names to type in, and voila! You've got your cards and envelopes ready to go! You are welcome to order more for a discounted rate of $30 per 25 cards.

-A beautifully framed 5x7 print from your session to either keep for yourself or give as a gift. This is my favorite part of the package. These unique frames would make wonderful gifts for the grandparents or other relatives. I am so excited to have found a craftsman who makes these beautiful, rustic wood frames from reclaimed wood. Choose from three colors: white, gray, or natural wood. You choose the image to frame, I'll have them printed, frame them, and have them ready for you. Your framed print will come in a gift bag, ready to be given to a loved one. Want an extra frame? You are welcome to order additional frames and prints.

-If there is anything else I can help provide after your session, such as prints, calendars, photo ornaments, etc., all mini-session clients receive 10% off.

With a longer session, more digital files, holiday cards, and a framed print ready to be gifted, this year's fall mini-sessions are an amazing value. More importantly, I'm happy to be able to lift a bit of the burden off families by including these extra products and services.

New to mini-sessions? Here's how it works:

1. Mini-sessions only take place at the designated locations and dates. Select the date and time that you'd prefer and pay for your session.

2. Once your mini-session is selected and paid, you will be forwarded to a session agreement. Please read through and sign the session agreement to be sure you understand the terms. I will then get in touch with you and we will discuss ages and the number of family members participating in the session, tips on what to wear, and answer any questions that you have.

3. Two days before the session, I will send you an email reminding you of your mini-session date and time. Mini-sessions must start and end on time. If you arrive late, it will shorten your session. Remember, mini-sessions are only 25 minutes to begin with, so being on time is important.

4. On the date of the session, we will meet, have a fun time taking pictures of your family and individual children, and enjoy some lovely fall weather. If it is raining on the date of your mini-session I will call you in the morning and let you know that the mini-sessions will be canceled. We will then find a time to reschedule.

Mini-sessions are booked on a first paid, first booked basis. In order to make the process of booking mini-sessions easier, I give clients the ability to select and pay for their mini-session directly through my website. Because I want to be able to provide the best service possible to clients, there will be a very limited number of time slots available.

Need help or have questions? Please email me at erica@ericacourtinephotography.com for help with booking.